TMW: Genoa and English clubs have eyes on City forward Rubén Sobrino

According to exclusive information collected by TMW, Serie A side Genoa and several clubs in England are interested in signing 24-year-old forward Rubén Sobrino from Manchester City.

Sobrino was signed by City from SD Ponferradina in Spain for a fee of £200,000 last summer and immediately loaned out to Girona FC, a club with ties to City and in which Pep Guardiola’s brother Pere has a significant stake. The purpose of this deal appeared to be strengthening Girona using City’s resources, with Sobrino, as well as Florian Lejeune (signed from Girona then loaned back), another curious City signing, unlikely to ever get anywhere near City’s first team.

Sobrino has been troubled by injuries this season, but his performances since returning have caught the eye of Genoa and others. Along with young City loanee Pablo Maffeo, he has helped Girona to the Spanish Segunda División playoff final, where they’re 2-1 down to Osasuna after the first leg. In the semi-final second leg against Córdoba, Sobrino registered two assists as Girona won 3-1 after extra-time to reach the final.

Though City and Girona may be inclined to have him stay at the Spanish club, particularly if they can gain promotion to La Liga, a good offer from Genoa or one of the interested English parties may allow City to make a quick profit on a player they invested just £200,000 in a year ago.